February 14, 2020

Again, Jesus set out: from the country of Tyre he passed through Sidon and, skirting the sea of Galilee, he came to the territory of Decapolis. There, a deaf man, who also had difficulty in speaking, was brought to him. They asked Jesus to lay his hand upon him. Jesus took him apart from the crowd, put his fingers into the man’s ears, and touched his tongue with spittle. Then, looking up to heaven,

he said with a deep sigh, “Ephphata!” that is, “Be opened!” And immediately, his ears were opened, his tongue was loosened, and he began to speak clearly. Jesus ordered them not to tell anyone about it; but the more he insisted, the more they proclaimed it. The people were completely astonished and said, “He has done all things well; he makes the deaf hear and the dumb speak.”

REFLECTION:

What attracts you to Jesus? The people in the gospel come to Jesus because they hear of his healing power. They, however, approach Jesus not for themselves but for the sake of the deaf mute man. They have confidence that Jesus can heal the deaf mute. Their effort is rewarded – Jesus gives the deaf mute man his faculties of hea­ring and speaking. How many people have we brought to Jesus for healing? Whether my purpose in approaching Jesus is for my own benefit or for others, Jesus responds positively. Hea­ling the sick people is a manifestation of his love for us; it is love in action.